The Swaying Hay Truck on I-80
You are eastbound on I-80 west of Elko at 65 mph with a 4-second gap behind a 53-foot semi loaded with hay bales. The wind is from the south at 25 mph, gusting to 35, and the truck's trailer has been swaying a few inches into your lane every 10–15 seconds. The truck is doing 63 mph. You want to pass; the left lane is clear for about a quarter mile, but your mirror shows a dark SUV approaching fast. Your bike is a 500cc parallel-twin with a full fairing and you weigh 160 pounds. Your exit is 2 miles ahead. The truck's left rear mudflap is torn and flapping. You have been in this position for 30 seconds and the buffeting is tiring.
1. Should you start the pass now? Explain the decision.
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No. Three facts argue against it: the closing SUV means the left lane will not stay clear for the 20–30 seconds a 2-mph overtake would take; the trailer is already swaying into your lane in a crosswind, so the truck's path is unpredictable; and your exit is only 2 miles ahead. A pass at 65 vs 63 mph gives almost no margin - you would ride alongside the trailer in its worst turbulence for too long. Wait for the SUV to pass, then reassess. If the truck continues to sway, hang back at a 4-second gap and take the exit. Passing a 53-foot vehicle is a commitment, not a drift-by.
2. If you do pass later, describe the pass from setup to return.
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Wait until the left lane is clear for at least a quarter mile and the truck is tracking straight. Downshift one gear, check mirrors and blind spot, signal, and accelerate decisively - you want a 10-mph or greater speed difference, not 2 mph. Pass on the left, but do not linger beside the cab or trailer; crosswind buffeting is strongest at the trailer's rear and as you clear the cab. Expect a push when you enter and leave the truck's wind shadow, and keep a firm, relaxed grip without steering into the gust. Return only when you can see the truck's headlights in your mirror and have a 3-second gap. If the truck signals or drifts left, abort and drop back.
3. What specific hazards do the hay load and torn mudflap add?
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Hay bales mean debris: loose strands, chaff, and sometimes whole bales can come off, especially in a crosswind. Do not follow close enough that a dropped object gives you no reaction time; a 4-second gap at 65 mph is about 380 feet. The torn mudflap is a warning that the trailer's equipment is not secure and could detach; it also flaps into your view and can strike you if you pass too close. Treat the truck as shedding parts. If you see anything fall, do not swerve abruptly - brake smoothly in a straight line and let the debris pass or stop short. Report the load if it is clearly unsafe.